America’s Cup

As a former San Diego resident, I was interested and disappointed--but not surprised--to learn of the San Diego Unified Port District’s decision not to purchase the 1987 Stars and Stripes.

This yacht represents an important piece of San Diego history. Conceived in San Diego and representing the San Diego Yacht Club, the Stars and Stripes skippered by San Diegan Dennis Conner was victorious in Perth, Australia, and brought the America’s Cup back to the United States. It has been proposed to the port commissioners that this proud vessel be purchased by the Port District and placed in a museum on their property. Unfortunately, and as is so often the case in San Diego these past 10 years, a very good idea has fallen victim to short-term political thinking.

In speaking against the purchase at any price, Port Commissioner Lynn Schenk spoke of the symbolic message of such a purchase in these tough economic times. Schenk’s statements and the Port District’s actions should certainly send a symbolic message to those who would wish to conduct a successful 1995 America’s Cup event in San Diego: Do not look to the Port District this time around for support. It is time to recognize that the treasure which is the America’s Cup is not appreciated in San Diego by its civic leadership beyond its use as a prop and a photo opportunity.

The state of Hawaii has previously proposed that the San Diego Yacht Club host this world-class event in Hawaii, with the state providing the necessary resources to ensure success. Think of it: an America’s Cup hosted by and among those with both the resolve and the resources to do it right.

MICHAEL J. HANDS, Honolulu, Hawaii